The Chicago Bears' running game was one of the biggest turnarounds in recent years after going from dead last in 2024 to being ranked third in 2025, and there's a big reason for that.
While the offensive line played a massive role, a little-known seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft became the catalyst for the running game, breathing new life into it. Bleacher Report writer Brent Sobleski named running back Kyle Monangai as the team's best-kept secret heading into the 2026 season.
"D'Andre Swift is the Chicago Bears' RB1. Kyle Monangai proved last year that he has lead back potential, too. Monangai ranked third among all rookies last season with 783 rushing yards. The seventh-rounder's 4.6 yards per carry ranked second among all first-year backs with at least 150 carries. He's a natural runner, particularly between the tackles. The Rutgers product has some wiggle and brings a lot of physicality. Swift is entering a contract year and may not be with Chicago next season. It wouldn't be the first time Ben Johnson built an offense around Swift only to go in another direction. Buy stock in Monangai early, because he could very well be the Bears' RB1 in 2027."
The NFL might not know Kyle Monangai, but Bears fans are very aware of him
Chicago's combination of Swift and Monangai was magical to watch in 2025. Both backs combined for over 1,700 yards and dominated defenses in every way.
Monangai was seen more as the power back who is not afraid of contact and running over people. Swift has the speed to get on the outside and outrun the first line of the defense.
Bears fans have quickly fallen in love with Monangai because he plays the old-school brand of football that Chicago loves to see from its players. He will lower his shoulder and run over people with ease and excitement.
Read more: Chicago Bears Schedule 2026: Game by game and final record predictions
It's hard to be a secret when a seventh-rounder runs for nearly 800 yards in a season, but Monangai has a chance to really explode onto the scene in 2026. He's already the future number one back on the Bears, and he might end up being a star in the league at the pace he's going.
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